Every playoff game is a chance to rewrite the narrative — or accidentally scribble over it with a crayon while blindfolded. Game 4 between the Knicks and Pacers had everything: high-octane pace, some low-IQ moments, and a few performances that’ll have group chats buzzing till tip-off of Game 5. But for one Knick in particular, the spotlight turned a little too harsh, and fans — and analysts — were not subtle about letting him know.

Stephen A. Smith didn’t just sip tea during the first half — he brewed a hot pot and poured it straight on Mikal Bridges’ stat line. In a tweet that felt like a crossover between a coach’s timeout rant and a New York uncle fed up with his nephew’s 2K decisions, SAS wrote: “The @nyknicks desperately need @mikal_bridges to step up if they’re going to win this game. Missed shots. Turnovers. Ill-timed decisions. #Damn Cone on bro”

And truth be told, Bridges’ 3-of-9 shooting and minus-16 +/- through three quarters weren’t helping his case. Sure, he hit his lone three and made his free throws, but the eye test screamed hesitation, misreads, and a few too many “my bad” hand waves.

Stephen A. Smith’s criticism carries even more weight in hindsight—especially considering what he said after the Knicks pulled off the blockbuster deal for Mikal Bridges. “I’m sorry, I like this move by the New York Knicks. He’s young, he’s energetic, he’s seasoned, he defends, and he fits right into the culture of the New York Knicks—and that’s all I ask.”

Smith even took aim at the skeptics who downplayed the trade. “I know y’all sitting out there saying, ‘It’s Mikal Bridges. He’s a good player, but it ain’t like y’all got [Kevin Durant] or somebody.’ Bump all that! Chemistry matters, reliability matters, consistency matters, defense matters. The brother can shoot. The brother can play.”

And for a moment, it all rang true. Everything Smith highlighted showed up when the Knicks knocked off the Celtics in the Eastern Semis. But now, in the East Finals against the Pacers? It’s a different story. And that’s precisely why Smith’s pointed criticism lands even harder now—the stakes are higher, and so are the expectations.

While Bridges Fumbled, Haliburton Played 4D Chess

Let’s talk about what the Knicks were up against. Tyrese Haliburton turned into the basketball version of Neo from The Matrix. At halftime, the man had 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists with zero turnovers — not even an “oops” moment. It’s like he saw the game five seconds ahead of everyone else, manipulating the court like a Rubik’s cube he’s already solved.

Meanwhile, the Pacers were running up and down like it was a track meet. They torched the Knicks in fast-break points, 19-2 by the end of the third. Every New York turnover — and there were 14 — basically turned into a layup line for Indiana.

While Bridges struggled, Karl-Anthony Towns brought a little sizzle to an otherwise shaky Knicks side. After early foul trouble in the first, Towns went full “I’m not fouling out today” mode in the second quarter. He bullied his way to 12 points in the period alone and drew so much contact that Indiana ended up in the penalty faster than a rookie guarding James Harden in 2018.

Even Stan Van Gundy was yelling at the Pacers — through the TV broadcast — for letting Towns go left every. single. time. Spoiler alert: they didn’t fix it in the third either.

Despite the turnover plague and Bridges’ forgettable night, Jalen Brunson continued to be himself. He had 29 points through three quarters and nearly carried New York with a steady diet of free throws (11-of-12).

But when every Knicks push started gaining traction, Indiana hit them back with poise and pace. Bennedict Mathurin came alive for the first time this series, Aaron Nesmith defied his bum ankle to throw down monster dunks, and Pascal Siakam kept the scoring rolling like he was still in a Raptors jersey circa 2019.

The Knicks might still have a shot to tie this series — the fourth quarter is looming — but they’ll need more than Jalen Brunson’s shoulders. Mikal Bridges was brought in to be the glue, the two-way stabilizer. But tonight? He looked more like tape that doesn’t stick. The good news? There’s still time to flip the narrative. The bad news? Tyrese Haliburton isn’t waiting for anyone to catch up.